Last Updated on October 12, 2024 by Arif Chowdhury
So, what do you think?
Let’s dive into how you can make $5,000 a month offering online resume writing services.
This isn’t just a pipe dream – it’s a real opportunity if you’re willing to put in the work.
Why Resume Writing?
Let’s face it, most people hate writing their own resumes.
They struggle to sell themselves on paper.
They don’t know what to include or leave out.
And they’re not sure how to format it all to catch a recruiter’s eye.
That’s where you come in.
The Opportunity is Real
Here’s the deal:
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 4 million people quit their jobs each month.
That’s a lot of folks needing new resumes.
And get this:
A study by TopResume found that professionally written resumes lead to 32% more interviews.
People are willing to pay for results.
How I Got Started
I stumbled into this gig by accident.
A friend asked me to look over her resume.
I rewrote it, she landed three interviews, and word spread.
Before I knew it, I had a side hustle.
Then it became my full-time gig.
Now I’m making over $5k a month, and you can too.
Setting Up Shop
Here’s what you need to get rolling:
- A computer
- Internet connection
- Word processing software
- A way to accept payments (PayPal, Stripe, etc.)
- A website (optional but recommended)
That’s it. No fancy office, no expensive equipment.
Just you, your skills, and a willingness to hustle.
Pricing Your Services
Don’t sell yourself short.
I started at $50 per resume.
Now I charge $200-$500, depending on the complexity.
Here’s a simple pricing structure to start:
- Basic Resume: $100
- Resume + Cover Letter: $150
- Executive Resume Package: $300
Aim to complete 2-3 resumes per day.
Do the math – it adds up quick.
Finding Clients
This is where the rubber meets the road.
You need to get your name out there.
Here’s what worked for me:
1. Leverage Your Network
Tell everyone what you’re doing.
Friends, family, old coworkers.
They all know someone who needs a resume.
2. Use Social Media
LinkedIn is gold for this business.
Post tips, share success stories.
Engage with job seekers.
3. Partner with Career Coaches
They need someone to send clients to for resumes.
You need clients.
It’s a win-win.
4. Create a Referral Program
Offer a discount for every new client someone sends your way.
Word of mouth is powerful.
5. Freelance Platforms
Sites like Upwork and Fiverr can be a good starting point.
Just don’t get stuck there – the fees can eat into your profits.
Delivering Quality Work
This is how you build a sustainable business.
Here’s my process:
- Initial Consultation: Get to know your client’s background and goals.
- Research: Understand the industry and role they’re targeting.
- Drafting: Craft a compelling narrative that showcases their value.
- Formatting: Make it visually appealing and ATS-friendly.
- Revisions: Offer 1-2 rounds of revisions to ensure they’re happy.
- Final Delivery: Provide both Word and PDF versions.
Remember, you’re not just writing a resume.
You’re giving someone confidence and hope for their future.
Scaling Your Business
Once you’ve got a steady flow of clients, it’s time to level up.
Here’s how:
1. Specialize
Focus on a specific industry or job level.
Become the go-to expert for tech resumes or C-level executives.
2. Offer Additional Services
- LinkedIn profile optimization
- Interview coaching
- Career counseling
Upsell to increase your average client value.
3. Build a Team
As demand grows, bring on other writers.
Take a cut of their work while you focus on growing the business.
4. Create Digital Products
Write an ebook on resume writing.
Offer a video course on job search strategies.
Passive income is the name of the game.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
The job market is always changing.
You need to stay on top of trends.
Here’s how:
- Follow industry blogs and podcasts
- Attend career development webinars
- Network with recruiters and HR professionals
- Continuously update your own skills
Remember, your success is tied to your clients’ success.
The Challenges You’ll Face
It’s not all smooth sailing.
You’ll deal with:
- Demanding clients
- Tight deadlines
- Imposter syndrome
But here’s the truth:
Every challenge is an opportunity to get better.
To refine your process.
To become the best in the business.
Why This is More Than Just a Job
You’re not just pushing papers.
You’re changing lives.
Every time a client lands their dream job because of your work, you’ll feel it.
That sense of purpose is worth more than the paycheck.
(But the paycheck is pretty nice too.)
The Bottom Line
Making $5,000 a month writing resumes is doable.
It takes hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn.
But if you stick with it, you can build a thriving business that gives you freedom and fulfillment.
So what are you waiting for?
Your next chapter starts now.
Go write it.